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Dr Harrison replied: “It would take a significant investment of time. Anyone who has dug a hole in their back garden knows how long it takes.

“It was by no means easy digging.

“It would have taken a matter of hours rather than minutes.”

Blakeley has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, along with a 17-year-old, who cannot be named and who allegedly helped him bury his victim’s body but denies preventing a lawful burial.

As the discovery of Jayden’s body was described in court, the younger defendant left the dock in a distressed state. His barrister said he felt “unwell”.

The trial continues.

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